The first Hijet received a 360 cc two-stroke engine, as was dictated by the kei car laws of the time. The Hijet's development has long followed the evolution of Japan's kei regulations, with an increase to 550 cc in 1976 and then 660 cc for 1990. Exterior dimensions also increased from 3.0 m × 1.3 m (118 in × 51 in) to 3.4 m × 1.475 m (134 in × 58 in). Export versions have usually been slightly larger as bigger bumpers and sometimes wider bodies are fitted.

The first vehicle to bear the name Hijet from Daihatsu was a kei truck in November 1960, with the enclosed body microvan in May 1961. The first generation Hijet used a conventional front engine, rear-wheel-drive format with the driver sitting behind the engine, in a similar pickup fashion. The exterior dimensions and engine displacement were in compliance with "kei class" regulations in Japan at its introduction. As a result, the ability to carry loads was very much reduced.

A heavier duty model of the Hijet, the New-Line (L50P/L50V), arrived in January 1963. It was a half-metre (20 in) longer and could carry 500 kg (1,102 lb) thanks to a larger, 800 cc engine with 41 PS (30 kW). This car did not meet the strict kei car standards of the time and sold only in small numbers, until its replacement in February 1966.

To maximize cargo carrying space while still staying in the "kei" class regulations, a cabover approach was adopted in 1964, offering buyers the choice between the first generation style or the cabover approach. This generation appearance was also introduced as the larger "New Line Cab" Daihatsu cabover truck (S50, S50T), replacing the earlier L50 New Line. As for its predecessor, it shared its engine with the Daihatsu Compagno. The New Line Cab was built from February 1966 until March 1968.

First model change from previous generation saw minor improvements, to include installation of the front door hinges to a conventional implementation as opposed to the rear-hinged door. The design was boxier over all, with a more wedgy appearance. This generation was also offered as an all-electric truck and van.

In September 1971 the fourth generation Hijet appeared, with all-new sheetmetal, initially available only as a truck.[1] The engine remained the ZM 360 cc two-stroke two-cylinder, while the rear suspension reverted to a live, leaf-sprung unit.[2] In February 1972 a new Van was presented, originally marketed as the "Slide Van" as it now featured sliding doors on both sides in addition to a top-hinged tailgate.[1] In September 1974 the front clip and rear bumper underwent light changes to accommodate full-size yellow license plates (hitherto, kei cars had been equipped with smaller plates than normal).

In October 1976 the four-stroke Hijet 550 appeared,[3] with the new 550 cc AB20 engine taking full advantage of the recent new kei regulations. Bigger bumpers meant that all Hijets built after this date are slightly longer, as the 360 received the same external changes simultaneously, including a new front clip.[4] To reflect the new engine, the 550 received the new chassis code "S40". In export trim, where it was sold as the Daihatsu 550 Cab and Cab-Van, this engine has 30 PS (22 kW) at 5,500 rpm, and 4.2 kg⋅m (41 N⋅m; 30 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm.[5] The 550 Van had an advantage of a higher carrying capacity than the 360 Van, at 350 rather than 300 kg (772 and 661 lb respectively).

Less than a year after the introduction of the 550, the wider and longer Hijet Wide 55 (S60) appeared, but the Hijet 550 continued in production and even underwent a facelift in April 1979 and now carried a blacked out grille. In April 1981 the four-stroke S40 Hijet 550 was discontinued, but the two-stroke S38 continued to be available until August 1981[3][6] as a low-cost version (by which time the sixth generation Hijet was already on sale). The later ZM-engined versions had 24 PS (18 kW).[7] The two-stroke was also popular in many Southeast Asian markets, where emissions regulations were more lax and its lower purchasing price had a bigger impact.

In April 1977, production of the truck version of the fifth generation began.[10] Called the "Hijet Wide 55", to draw attention to its wider body and bigger 550 cc engine, this was the first Hijet to reach export markets in any serious numbers. The 547 cc AB20 was a four-stroke, water-cooled two-cylinder unit with a single overhead camshaft and balance axle. Power output is 28 PS (21 kW) at 5,500 rpm, while max torque is 4.0 kg⋅m (39 N⋅m; 29 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm. Export versions, which had to face less stringent emissions requirements, offered 30 PS (22 kW) at the same engine speed and 4.2 kg⋅m (41 N⋅m; 30 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm.[8] The only transmission installed is a four-speed manual with a floor-mounted shifter; export versions could reach a claimed 105 km/h (65 mph) top speed.[9]

The engine is mid-mounted just behind the front axle, and access is gained by simply lifting the front seats. Chassis code is "S60", with the succeeding letter "P" signifying a simple pickup bed with one opening flap; "T" for the three-way dropside pickup; and "V" for the vans.[11]

Three months after the introduction of the pickups (in June 1977), a glassed van with sliding doors and also a "panel van" version were released. The panel van was simply a truck with a box mounted on the rear; this version was not exported.[11] For export, a van version without windows or rear seats was preferred. A low floor dropside bed was added in December 1977, and a minor facelift took place in September 1978. The changes were limited to different colored bumpers and headlight surrounds, and a changed metal grille insert featuring a larger "D" logo. All versions were available in either Standard or Super DeLuxe trims, but in March 1979 a comparatively luxurious "Custom EX" version of the light van was added.[11]

In September 1979, the Hijet Wide 55 underwent a more thorough facelift: A new front clip with a single-piece grille was the most obvious change, while inside there was a new more sculpted dash as well as more comfortable seats which received adjustable backs. The two millionth Hijet was an S60 built during 1980.[12] Production continued until replaced by the sixth generation Hijet in 1981.

In March 1981 the all-new S65 Hijet appeared, now on a slightly longer wheelbase but with the same AB20 engine. New was a flat-floor option for the Vans, and also new was a high-roof option. Power output is 28 PS (21 kW) at 5500 rpm, while max torque is 41 N⋅m (4.2 kg⋅m; 30 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm.[13] Most mechanicals were originally the same as before, but in March 1982 the S66,[14] a new four-wheel drive (from October 1983 with optional free-wheel front hubs and front-wheel disc brakes) appeared. From 1982, export versions received a torquier 843 cc three-cylinder engine (CD20), called the Daihatsu 850 Cab. In 1983 a one-liter version was also made available.[15] In un-catalyzed trim, as sold in many export markets, this model produces 47 PS (35 kW) JIS at 5600 rpm.

There was also an S70 series version of the S65. Indonesian-built Hijets (by P.T. Astra International) had a longer body on the same wheelbase, and was available with a variety of locally developed bodywork. They were fitted with the one-litre engine subsequent to a decree by the Indonesian government that the smallest car engine built in the country by 1985 would have to be one liter. The rear portion of the body was developed locally, and the dies were also manufactured in Indonesia, thereby lowering licensing fees and minimizing imports.[16] This Hijet was the most successful model in the fastest growing segment of the market, and represented one eighth of all local vehicle manufacture in 1983.[16]

1985–1986 Daihatsu Hijet (S76) 600 4WD cab chassis (Australia)

Also in 1983 the Hijet Jumbo appeared, a high-roofed extended cab pickup with a shorter bed. This meant that there was space for more comfortable seats, with considerable more travel and folding seatbacks. The resulting rear compartment offered small luggage spaces, a flat-folding passenger seat, and a small luggage rack above.[17] The two-wheel Jumbo was available with a fifth gear, as were some versions of the Atrai passenger van. There was also a Hijet Climber series (two- or four-wheel drive), these were fitted with bigger off-road tires and a limited-slip differential.[18]

The S65 was also sold as the Hijet Atrai Van from September 1981, a version specifically intended for passenger use. From October 1983 this became a separate badge in the Japanese market,[2] where the Atrai remains separate from the more workmanlike Hijets.[14] There was also a handicap accessible version of the Hijet S65V, which could accommodate a folding wheel chair.[19] The most surprising news was probably the addition of a turbocharged version in February 1984, also available with four-wheel drive.

A subsidiary of FAW Tianjin began producing the S65 Hijet in 1984, originally as the Tianjin TJ110 but later as the Huali Dafa.[20] The Chinese-built trucklets were only available with two-wheel drive and the 843 cc three-cylinder CD engine, offering 41 PS (30 kW) at 5,500 rpm. The high roof was also available in China.[21] The Huali Dafa was used as a popular taxicab and production ended in 2002.

The seventh generation Hijet ("S80") was a gradual development of its predecessor, introduced in May 1986.[2] The biggest change was the switch to a more modern three-cylinder engine, the EB, although displacement remained just under 550 cc. It was also built in South Korea since 1992, by Asia Motors, as the "Towner". This version was later badged "Kia Towner", subsequent to Kia's takeover. These vans were only exported to certain markets (such as Malta and Chile), according to the licensing agreement. Beginning in 1992, Piaggio also built this car in Pontedera for European markets as the "Porter", especially to circumvent restrictions on Japanese imports in some markets like Italy. This version has long outlived the original Hijet and is still in production. Unlike the Hijet, the Porter has also been available with a diesel option.

The Japanese market Hijet continued to also be available in the "Jumbo Cab" configuration, but new was the "Deck Van" - a version of the four-door van with a very short cargo bed in the rear. This version was also sold as the Daihatsu Atrai Deck.[2] Export market Hijets generally received Daihatsu's familiar 993 cc three-cylinder engine, while domestic versions had to make do with 550 cc due to the strict Kei rules. Following new Kei car regulations in early 1990, the Hijet was updated accordingly. As with all its brethren, it gained ten centimetres (3.9 in) in overall length and 110 cc in displacement. This was enough to give it a new chassis code, S82. This version continued in production until being replaced by the eight generation version in 1994.

In May 1987 a supercharged version with 44 PS (32 kW) appeared in the Hijet truck. This remained available until the introduction of the larger 660 cc engine in March 1990.[22] The supercharger's superior torque at low engine speeds made this a natural application for a truck such as the Hijet. Conversely, the Atrai passenger car version were available with a more powerful turbo engine right from the start. In September 1992, the Hijet and Atrai received a light facelift, including alterations to both interior and exterior, as well as a number of new engines.[23] The van and pick-up, in addition to a new fuel-injected four-valve option, also received strengthened beds and covers.[23]

An enlarged version of this generation was built in Indonesia as the "Daihatsu Zebra", beginning in 1986. In 1989 this received a 1.3-liter 16-valve HC engine rather than the earlier one-liter unit, and sales doubled year-on-year.[24] The 1298 cc unit produces 72 PS (53 kW) and was coupled to a four-speed manual transmission.[24] The pickup truck version started using the "D130 Jumbo" badge.

The eighth generation Hijet entered the marketplace in January 1994, after having first been shown at the 30th Tokyo Motor Show in October 1993, and continued to be built until replaced by the ninth generation in 1999. "S100" was used for two-wheel drive versions, while four-wheel-drives were coded "S110". The suffix "P" was for trucks, "C" for panel vans, and "V" for glazed vans. The passenger-oriented Atrai received "S120" and "S130" chassis codes. In May the "Hijet EV", a fully electric version of the van, appeared - replacing the EV version of the seventh generation Hijet.[25] A fuel injected, SOHC 6-valve engine with 44 PS (32 kW) (EF-ES) was standard on automatic cars and optional on five-speed manuals, which otherwise received a carburetted version with two horsepower less. From January 1996, automatics received a twin-cam 12-valve carburetted version of the EF engine (EF-GS), still with the same power.

In 1995 a Hijet EV Truck appeared, complementing the Van version. Appearing in October 1997, the "Hijet is" was a youthful version with sporty design traits, including a blacked out front panel and various body cladding items. "is" stood for "Idol" and "Stylish".

The eighth generation Hijet Cargo

The new Atrai was focussed more on passenger comfort than earlier generations, and has a three-link independent rear suspension rather than the leaf sprung, live axle of the Hijet. This is why the Atrai has its own chassis numbers (S120/130). The Atrai passenger van was available with more powerful turbocharged engines, such as the SOHC 6-valve EF-TS and the twin-cam, 12-valve EF-RS (from January 1997). Both of these engines nominally remained beneath the 64 PS (47 kW) limit set by Japanese regulators for Kei cars - but with 13.6 percent more torque than the lower tuned single-cam, it was clear to all that the EF-RS had considerably more power than acknowledged. The Turbo SR (and later RT) models received anti-lock brakes as standard. In October 1997 the Atrai Classic appeared; this model has a leather interior and keyless entry, among other equipment improvements.

When the ninth generation Hijet was introduced in 1999, a divergence between the truck and van versions (Cargo) occurred, with the vans now being of a front-engined "semicab" design rather than the mid-engined cabover design retained for the truck. A tenth generation of the Hijet Cargo has since appeared, but the ninth generation of the truck remains in production. A similar divergence took place in the Suzuki Carry lineup, necessitated by new crash protection legislations enacted for passenger cars. Since the Hijet Cargo also forms the basis for the passenger use Atrai, it too now has a front-mounted engine.

A 1.3-liter seven-seat version (S221G) was also offered, sold as the "Daihatsu Atrai 7". It has bigger bumpers and does not qualify as a kei car. In an OEM deal, this car was also sold as the "Toyota Sparky".

The tenth generation Hijet was introduced in December 2004. The tenth generation was only available in van form, with the trucks remaining the ninth generation cabover model until September 2014, when the tenth generation trucks came out. In Japan, the passenger car version of the Hijet is known as the "Daihatsu Atrai", which is also powered by a 660 cc Turbo engine producing 64 PS (47 kW). Available engines for 2006 include the DVVT equipped 660 cc EF-VE, making 39 kW (53 PS) at 7000 rpm and 63 N⋅m (46 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4000 rpm, and the 660 cc EF-SE, making 33 kW (45 PS) at 5900 rpm and 57 N⋅m (42 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. The base model is mid-engined with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive versions are also available.

The tenth generation Van/Microbus as well as the ninth and tenth generation truck have also been marketed in Japan by Toyota in Japan since December 2011. They are called "Toyota Pixis" Van and Truck respectively. As for the Hijet, they have the new KF engine of 660 cc.[26]

The tenth generation Hijet Truck was launched in Indonesia as the "Daihatsu Hi-Max" on 10 November 2016. It uses 1000 cc 1KR-DE engine which is the same engine used in Daihatsu Ayla but producing less horsepower, 57 PS (42 kW) at 5000 rpm, and 8.9 kg⋅m (87 N⋅m) of torque at 4000 rpm [27]

There are also versions of the Hijet sold outside Japan, available with 1.0 and 1.3-litre engines. These are no longer considered kei cars, as they are wider and longer than allowed by these narrowly defined regulations. The "Hijet Maxx/Hijet Jumbo" is a pick-up truck or chassis cab which can be set up for other uses such as a moving stall. The Daihatsu Zebra (also known as the "Daihatsu Citivan", "Daihatsu Devan", and "Daihatsu Zebra Espass") is a van version of the Hijet Maxx. The Zebra was originally a one-litre car but later became available with 1.3 and 1.6 engines. The 1.6 was replaced by a 1.5-liter model in January 2002.[28] The Perodua Rusa is a rebadged Zebra sold by Daihatsu's Malaysian partner, Perodua. In the Japanese market, there was also a larger version of the ninth generation Hijet, sold as the "Hijet Gran Cargo". This car has been exported to other right-hand drive markets as the "Extol" as well.

The Piaggio Porter is a licensed version manufactured in Pontedera, Italy since 1992 (also known as the "Innocenti Porter" in passenger version), available also with diesel, LPG, CNG or electric motors. Originally equipped with a 1.0 petrol or a 1.2-litre diesel, more recent cars receive a 1,269 cc petrol/LPG engine or a 1,371 cc diesel.[2] The 1.3 offers 65 PS (48 kW) in either configuration while the 1.4 diesel only manages 38 PS (28 kW).[29] All of these Porter variants (S85) are based on the facelifted seventh generation of the Hijet (S82) which has its front wheel located below the front door and a mid-mounted engine. The Porter was also manufactured at Piaggio Baramati plant (Pune, India) for Asian market.[30]

The second generation Daihatsu Zebra minivan, known as the Daihatsu Zebra Espass was based on the eight generation Hijet and introduced in April 1995. The pickup truck version retained the D130 Jumbo badge. It was also sold as the Perodua Rusa in Malaysia from 1996. It has a completely rounded, aerodynamic styling. When it was first introduced, it is powered by the same engine as the seventh generation Hijet-based Zebra, the 1.3-liter 16-valve HC-C engine with carburetor. In 1997, the Espass Supervan was launched with the 1.6-liter 16-valve HD-C engine (later used on the Terios-based Taruna), standard air conditioners, audio system with tape and racing wheels. In 2000, the Zebra Espass badge for the minivan version and the D130 Jumbo badge for the pickup truck version were replaced by the Zebra badge and the minivan version is offered in four trims: ZL, ZLX, ZX and ZSX. It is referred to as the Neo Zebra. While the ZL and ZLX retained the previous 1.3-liter engine with carburetor from the previous model, the ZX and ZSX which replaced the Espass Supervan retained the 1.6-liter engine with carburetor and from 2001 the 1.6-liter 16-valve HD-E engine with electronic fuel injection is also available as an option, and was later replaced in 2003 by the 1.5-liter 16-valve HE-E engine with electronic fuel injection (also used on the Taruna). Although the pickup trucks, ZX and ZSX minivans with the 1.5-liter 16-valve HE-C engine with carburetor is also available. The 2003-2007 models of the minivan received the same red and white taillights with ornaments as used on the Perodua Rusa. A mild facelift occurred in late 2004 and is referred to as the Zebra Master, and features an ornament on top of the grille with the larger and bolder chrome Daihatsu symbol emblem used on the recent Daihatsu vehicles. The ZSX received a chrome ornament and an updated steering wheel with the chrome Daihatsu symbol emblem. Production of the Zebra ended in 2007 when it was replaced by the Gran Max (see below).

In November 2007, Daihatsu Indonesia launched the Daihatsu Gran Max, which is based on the tenth generation Hijet ("semicab", front wheels located forward of the door). It is powered by 1,300 cc (K3-DE EFI) and 1,500 cc (3SZ-VEVVT-i) engines and is both wider and longer than the kei car-based Hijet. It replaces the previous Daihatsu Zebra of similar size. The Gran Max is available in minivan and pick-up bodystyles and since February 2008 it is exported to Japan where it is sold as the Toyota LiteAce (S402) and also Toyota TownAce as a pickup or minivan.

In 2002, Daihatsu debuted the Hijet Cargo Hybridconcept, a hybrid electric van, in Japan using a 660 cc engine. The car is based on the existing non-hybrid Hijet Cargo. Daihatsu calls it a mild hybrid design. Its design (called Daihatsu Mild Hybrid System or DMHS based on Toyota hybrid technology) is quite different from many existing hybrid design where as the gas and electric powered components assembled as one unit. The electric motor sits between the gasoline-powered engine and the transmission unit. The car is 30% more fuel efficient than its gasoline-powered counterpart.

The hybridminicars (called FEV and Atrai Hybrid-IV) made their debut in 2002 as a conceptminicar.[31] Its production was announced in October 2004 but never entered production as Daihatsu chose to release hybrid versions of newer models instead.